Mr. Davids Extracts from the Peking Gazette. 393 



it is not expedient to let him escape punishment by pleading accident as 

 the cause of the fire. He and his assistants will therefore be punished 

 according to the law, which awards eighty blows of the bamboo,* deprived 

 of their offices, and dismissed altogether from public service. 



" Since I, the governor, did not, by previous care and foresight, prevent 

 the calamity, it is diliicult for me to extenuate my offence : I therefore 

 request the Imperial will to give directions for my trial by the Criminal 

 Board. , 



" As official reports are every day accumulating in great numbers, and 

 no steps have hitherto been taken to provide a place for them, it will be 

 expedient to rebuild forthwith another record-office on the old foundations 

 for their reception ; witli tliis view I humbly present a report." 



XIV. Petitioti from a sick and aged Minister to retire permanently from 



Office. 



3d moon, 1st day (30th March). 



" She-che-k-wang, late one of the Presidents of the Board of Censors, 

 kneehng presents this petition to His Majesty. He, an insignificant mi- 

 nister, being afflicted with incurable disease and infirmity, and having to 

 iiitreat the favour of heaven (?. e. the Emperor) to permit him to retire to 

 his native place, in order to nurse his complaints, with deep veneration he 

 offers this up, and entreats the Imperial attention. 



" In the last year, between the seasons of summer and autumn, being 

 suddenly afiected by disorders peculiar to the time of year, I was prostrated 

 by the violence of sickness, and on a representation of my case had to 

 thank the vast Imperial compassion, which despatched physicians to exa- 

 nnne my case, and at the same time permitted me to retire awhile from 

 my office to seek a cure. For this I feel a degree of gratitude in my inmost 

 soul, which it is impossible for words to express. 



" Reflecting within myself, that notwithstanding the decay of my 

 strength it has still pleased the Imperial goodness to employ me in a high 

 office instead of rejecting and discarding me at once, I have been most 



• A sniallc-r number is actually inflicted. See Penal Code of China, translated by Sir G. T. 

 Staunton, Bart., Book I. § I. 



3 F 2 



